Book Review: The Girl Mechanic of Wanzhou

Zun accompanied her father at work, who was a mechanic on the verge of revolutionizing the way bicycles were built. In a time when a Chinese girl’s education was only reserved for the wealthy, Zun gained knowledge through experience — mechanical skills from her father and reading and writing from her mother who scripted for a living.The story takes a turn when Zun realizes that the intent of the Magistrate was more than just collecting taxes. The bicycle and its creation becomes a key role in why Zun wants to avenge her father’s death and rescue her mother. Her journey leads to old family friends who help her with her mission.The moment I started reading, I felt as if I stepped back in time to the dusty and busy streets of a small city in China. The descriptions of the city — the food, smells, buildings, and people were truly vivid and set the stage. I couldn’t help but imagine myself there, running alongside Zun as she’s shivering from the cold, disguising herself as a boy, or sneaking around in Magistrate’s compound.

The introduction of Pig-Pig, a pig who trained in Martial Arts, was a delight since my daughter has a recent interest in owning a mini pot-belly pig as a pet. My mother had a house pig in the Philippines and always told us how smart and clean they were. So where some readers would think, “A pig couldn’t do that,” I had more faith. It almost made me say, “yes” to my daughter’s pig… almost.

The Girl Mechanic Of Wanzhou uses Chinese terminology that may be unfamiliar to some readers. But as you assess the plot and relationships in the story, it becomes easier to understand and almost second-nature. There are many lessons to learn in the book about mortality, having a strong support system in friends and family (even when you don’t know it), and putting your knowledge and talents to use.

Marjorie Sayer won first runner-up in Scholastic Asian Book Award with The Girl Mechanic of Wanzhou. I was also impressed to find out that her background is in math and physics, winning prizes and fellowships in mathematics. She has written technical books and math workbooks for children. This is her first novel and it is a great read. While my 8-year-old would be a bit young for The Girl Mechanic of Wanzhou, especially since it deals with death and constant fear, I think it would be good for kids in middle-school. Heck, I enjoyed it. I’m sure you would, too.